Ref Number: 00239
On the 16th August a group of three ME109's were on a photo reconnaissance mission over Portsmouth , taking photos of the previous evenings bombing mission. When they turned back to fly back over the Island their thoughts were of home when the anti aircraft guns opened up.
Ref Number: 00239
Three ME109s were on a photo reconnaissance mission over Portsmouth on August 16, 1943, photographing the previous evening’s bombardment mission. They moat likely thought of heading back for home as they flew over the island but then the radar guided anti-aircraft cannons opened fire. Firing at targets 7 miles high rarely results in success but on this unfortunate day a good prediction by the 3.7 radar guns exploded a shell close to the aircraft with devastating effect.
The aircraft detonated, and debris descended over a vast area surrounding Newchurch. The pilot of the aircraft, Lt. H. Jaschinski, was discovered deceased at Kern Plantation near Knighton, still fastened to his seat. The engine crashed into the manure ditch at Hill Farm (Alverstone Garden Village), while the wings landed in fields near Ashey Down and possibly Bloodstone Copse.
There are conflicting reports regarding the precise locations.
Note: Images of the aircraft displayed reflect the type of aircraft and are not those of the specific.
